We need at least two people to help as catechist for First Holy Communion for the next academic year; a weekly commitment from late October to June is required to help our children to prepare for this wonderful Sacrament. If you are willing and able to help, please speak to Fr. Ian FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION 2025 /2026:- Application forms for next year’s respective programmes will be available shortly. If you have a child in year 3 or above (First Holy Communion) or in year 9 or above, (Confirmation) then, provided that you and your children are in regular attendance at Mass you and they will be able to join the programmes. The deadline for returning application forms is mid-night pm on Sunday 5th October 2025, once this deadline has expired for both programmes, no child will be accepted onto either the First Holy Communion or Confirmation programme until the following year, 2026/2027.
Application forms for next year’s respective programmes are available at the entrances to the church. If you have a child in year 3 or above (First Holy Communion) or in year 9 or above, (Confirmation) then, provided that you and your children are in regular attendance at Mass you and they will be able to join the programmes . The deadline for returning application forms is mid-night pm on Sunday 5th October 2025 , once this deadline has expired for both programmes, no child will be accepted onto either the First Holy Communion or Confirmation programme until the following year, 2026/2027. If you know of families where children and young people should be preparing for these sacraments, PLEASE encourage them to be coming along to Mass and practicing their faith by joining with the rest of the believing community! Mass is not as complete as it should be when people are not there…..’I ask you, my brothers and sisters….’
As September approaches and with it, the new school year, we pray for those who will be in receipt of public exam results at this time and for their families. We pray for those who have achieved all, if not more than they aspired too, that they will be humbly thankful, and for those who are perhaps upset and saddened at not doing as well as they had hoped, that they will not become despondent and over-awed. Whatever the circumstances, may all remain steadfast in the love of God, whether at the thrones of Heaven or the foot of the Cross. We think and pray too, for those who are making new beginnings, maybe leaving a first born at the school for the first time, for those starting at secondary school and the not so familiar surroundings, those going off to tertiary education and for those who are leaving their last born at an educational establishment. These are times of change, concern, even worry, upset and apprehension, both for youngsters and for their parents in these new circumstances, and so we commend them to the intercession of the Holy Family of Nazareth, that they be consoled, strengthened and inspired by Jesus, Mary and Joseph. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.